News Releases for November 2005
November 9, 2005
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Hoeven And Farm Leaders Work To Secure Farm Disaster Aid, Long-Term Farm Bill, Fair Trade
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today, along with a delegation of North Dakota farm leaders, met with senior members of the U.S. Senate and House, as well as Administration officials to lobby for disaster assistance for farmers this year hurt by natural disasters and high energy prices.
"The reaction was positive - there's support for the measure," Hoeven said. "From our discussions, we understand it will likely move through the Senate first."
Hoeven said the measure will probably take the form of previous disaster aid packages, assisting producers who have suffered 35 percent or more in crop losses.
"There is a recognition that crop disaster insurance just isn't getting the job done, and that it's especially important to provide relief this year in light of unusually high energy prices," Hoeven said.
FARM BILL
Hoeven said in addition he found support among legislators for a long-term farm bill and reformed trade policy.
"A long-term farm bill with a solid safety net and improved crop insurance is essential for the economic health of not only North Dakota producers but also American agriculture," Hoeven said. "We need to develop good farm policy for our producers, and good trade policy should follow."
TRADE POLICY
In addition, Hoeven hand delivered a letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Rob Portman, regarding outstanding trade issues with the Canadian Wheat Board, specifically with regard to the International Trade Commission's (ITC) recent reversal of its finding that Canadian Wheat Board practices have injured the U.S. industry. Hoeven urged prompt review of the position prior to further action before the North American Free Trade Agreement Panel. Hoeven met with Portman's Chief of Staff Rob Lehman.
"The ITC decision is plainly misguided and inconsistent with U.S. trade policy, which is clear from previous USTR and other U.S. agency actions," Hoeven said. "A change in the membership of the ITC should have no affect whatsoever on a valid decision by previous members. Our producers are not suddenly made whole because others sit on the commission."
Hoeven and a delegation of North Dakota farm leaders met today and yesterday with Administration officials as well as a number of high level House and Senate members and their staffs. These include Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner; Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee Saxby Chambliss; Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Congressman Bob Goodlatte; and Senate Agriculture Appropriations Chairman Robert Bennett. Together, the delegation has met with almost 50 senators and members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The delegation has been organized and led by Hoeven, North Dakota Grain Growers Association President Terry Wanzek, and U.S. Durum Growers Association President Dennis Wunderlich.
Other members of the delegation include:
- ND State Senator and Vice-chair of the Agriculture Committee Robert Erbele
- North Dakota Farm Bureau President Eric Aasmundstad
- Independent Community Bankers of North Dakota Past-President Nancy Baerwald
- Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers President Richard Maggnusson
- 13 North Dakota and Minnesota farmers in a joint effort to demonstrate to Congress the impact weather and energy prices have had on agriculture in 2005.
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